Holotrichius innesi explained

Holotrichius innesi (known as the afrur in part of its range) is an assassin bug found in some Middle Eastern countries. When touched, this insect emits a varying number of stridulating noises in double pulses.[1]

In the deserts of Israel the afrur ("dirt" in colloquial Hebrew, from its habit of covering itself with dirt) is believed to have a powerful venom, and that it is possibly to blame for deaths attributed to snake and scorpion envenomation. However, no deaths have been formally attributed to it.[2]

Subspecies

Notes and References

  1. U. Yinon, P. Amitaia & A. Shulov . 1972 . The stridulatory mechanism and the analysis of sound produced by the bug Holotrichius innesi (Horvath) (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) . Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology . 41 . 2 . 373–381, IN3–IN7 . 10.1016/0300-9629(72)90068-0.
  2. [Roger A. Caras|Caras, R.A.]